Bou embolat ban by Benitachell

BENITACHELL has vetoed the bou embolat and bou encaixonat versions of bull-running.

Bulls will no longer suffer the terror of burning brands fixed to their horns or endure being boxed before they are released during fiestas events.

Benitachell, concerned about animal welfare, has eliminated both events from this year’s programme. 

Other Marina Alta towns with bull-running traditions like Ondara and Javea have prohibited these spectacles that inflict great suffering, argued mayor Josep Femenia.  

 “We should adapt the fiestas to the times,” Femenia said.

Nevertheless there are no plans to ban bous al carrer which, as in Ondara and Javea, will still be included in fiestas, while Javea retains its bous a la mar.

Femenia apologised if the decision meant rearranging the fiestas’ programme but insisted that this was the right moment to show that Benitachell is a town that is “open, understanding and knows how to enjoy itself considerately and amicably.”